As Panini bids adieu to its WWE card licensing, the 2024 National Treasures WWE release marks the end of an era for wrestling card enthusiasts. The anticipation surrounding this final product has been met with a wave of reactions, as collectors evaluate whether it lives up to the prestigious National Treasures brand.
National Treasures, known for its premium quality in sports card collecting, has established a legacy of excellence with on-card autographs and authentic memorabilia. However, the early breaks of the First Off the Line (FOTL) boxes for the WWE edition have left some collectors underwhelmed. Instead of the coveted on-card signatures, sticker autographs are prevalent, accompanied by relics that lack specific ties to matches or events, raising doubts about their authenticity. This departure from the usual standards of National Treasures has stirred disappointment among collectors seeking a more genuine connection to their favorite wrestlers.
Transitions in licensing often come with challenges for manufacturers, as seen in the wrestling card industry. Prioritizing the clearance of existing inventory during such shifts can sometimes result in compromises on premium features. Wrestling card expert Adam Gellman highlighted this trend on the WaxPackHero Sports Card Minute podcast, drawing parallels to past experiences during similar transitions.
The feedback from collectors has been diverse, with two distinct camps emerging in response to the 2024 National Treasures WWE release. While some held high expectations and were left dissatisfied by the use of sticker autos and generic relics, others who predicted compromises appreciated the clean design and viewed it as a fitting farewell to Panini’s WWE card era.
Adding complexity to the narrative is the delayed full hobby release, with reasons for the delay remaining undisclosed. This delay has kept the market primarily engaged with FOTL breaks, prompting speculation on potential improvements or adherence to the current format in the awaited standard boxes.
Concluding Panini’s tenure in the WWE trading card scene, the 2024 National Treasures WWE release stands as a peculiar farewell, drawing mixed reactions from collectors. As the standard hobby release looms closer, the market’s response will determine if the final WWE cards by Panini can salvage their reputation or will fade as a mere footnote in the brand’s history. Presently, collectors are presented with a visually appealing product that falls short of the usual prestige associated with National Treasures.
